MANILA, Philippines – It is crunch time for the Philippine national men’s and women’s basketball teams as they face must-win situations in the remaining games of their FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 stints. 

Gilas Pilipinas had a bright start to its campaign, stunning 6th-ranked Brazil with a 15-7 upset win. However, the nationals failed to ride on the momentum as they failed to hold off Mongolia’s late comeback. 

“We had our chances. It’s all about knowing how to win in the end, and I think malaki ‘yung experience factor ng team ng Mongolia (Mongolia’s experience was a big  factor),” said Gilas 3×3 head coach Ronnie Magsanoc. 

“No excuses naman kami (We don’t have any excuses) because I thought that we had chances to stay ahead, but a lot of factors: team chemistry, missed decisions, defensive breakdowns in the coverages.”

On the other hand, Perlas Pilipinas dropped to the bottom of Pool D, losing its first two games against Netherlands and Germany. 

Jack Animam cried for support  for women’s basketball in the Philippines as the lack of exposure – in both 3×3 and 5×5 – puts them at a disadvantage with the rest of the world. 

“We’ve been into championships, but this is different. You’re up against [teams in a world competition], so we need that exposure and experience, so that we can be in their level,” said Animam. 

The Filipinas need to win their games against the top two teams in the pool, Spain and Hungary, and rely on mathematical chances to advance to the quarterfinals. 

Only the top two teams of each pool will book a seat in the knockout stages of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018. 

Based on the results of the first playing day, currently poised to advance are 3-time 3×3 World Cup champion Serbia in the men’s Pool A.

The world number one men’s 3×3 player Dusan Bulut led the squad with a total of 15 points from both games against 2017 runner-up Netherlands and New Zealand. 

Poland, Estonia, Canada, Croatia and Latvia also swept their matches in the men’s division. 

In the women’s division, eyes are set on Pool C where 2017 gold medalist Russia and two-time champion USA are competing. Both teams dominated their matches, locking down their opponents to single-digit outputs. 

Russia overwhelmed Uganda (22-8) and 2nd-ranked Andorra (21-9) while USA trounced Iran (21-7) and Andorra (21-6). 

Top-ranked China proves to be an emerging power as the team vies for its first medal in the international 3×3 scene. 

The Chinese edged out 2012 runner-up France (16-14) then followed it up with a 21-20 thriller over Switzerland where YingYun Li knocked in a buzzer-beater from beyond the arc.

https://t.co/7okxvQ8H2g #3x3WC pic.twitter.com/KzFJN3TNN2

— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) June 8, 2018

STANDINGS (COUNTRY/RANK/RECORD)

Men’s Division

POOL A

1. Serbia (1) – 2-0
2. Netherlands (8) – 1-1
3. Kyrgyzstan (17) – 1-1
4. Romania (9) – 1-1
5. New Zealand (16) – 0-2

POOL B

1. Poland (7) – 2-0
2. Estonia (10) – 2-0
3. Slovenia (2) – 1-1
4. Japan (15) – 0-2
5. Indonesia (18) – 0-2

POOL C

1. Canada (14) – 2-0
2. Mongolia (11) – 1-1
3. Russia (3) – 1-1
4. Philippines (19) – 1-1
5. Brazil (6) – 0-2

POOL D

1. Croatia (12) – 2-0
2. Latvia (4) – 2-0
3. Ukraine (5) – 1-1
4. Jordan (13) – 0-2
5. Nigeria (20) – 02

Women’s Division

POOL A 

1. Czech Republic (7) – 2-0
2. Italy (8) – 2-0
3. Malaysia (16) – 1-1
4. Indonesia (15) – 0-2
5. Turkmenistan (17) – 0-2

POOL B

1. China (1) – 2-0
2. France (6) – 1-1
3. Switzerland (14) – 1-1
4. Argentina (18) – 1-1
5. Kazakhstan (9) – 0-2

POOL C

1. Russia (5) – 2-0
2. USA (13) – 2-0
3. Uganda (19) – 1-1
4. Iran (10) – 0-2
5. Andora (2) – 0-2

POOL D

1. Spain (12) – 2-0
2. Hungary (3) – 1-1
3. Netherlands (4) – 1-1
4. Germany (11) – 1-1
5. Philippines (20) – 0-2

– Rappler.com